Safety Officer 1 - Safety and Training Specialist

State of Montana•Missoula, MT

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is a Safety & Training Specialist responsible for ensuring the implementation of wildland fire training and direction. The role involves performing or overseeing risk management, hazard mitigation, hazard analysis, safety operations, and accident investigations. It also ensures operational safety and provides safety oversight during active fires, covering aspects like escape routes, safety zones, hazards, transportation, medical care, and evacuation. The position reports to the Training and Safety Program Manager and does not supervise other agency personnel, but frequently directs and reviews the work of temporary staff and contractors, including selection, training, and performance monitoring.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related scientific field.
Two years of work-related experience or three years of progressively responsible wildland fire and aviation management.
Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted (secondary or Adult education, bachelor’s degree in forestry).
Wildland Fire or emergency services course instruction and experience are preferred.
Ability to administer a comprehensive training program and activities directly impacting the safety of DNRC personnel and other agency staff.
Ability to attain or work towards NWCG wildland fire qualifications as a Safety Officer Type 3 (SOF3), or beyond.
Must attain and maintain PMS 901 Field Manager’s Course Guide Instructor Criteria for 300-600 Level NWCG Courses.
Valid driver's license with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
Eligible to work in the United States.
Must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States.
Must meet the most stringent prescribed physical requirements as measured by an annual NWCG-approved Work Capacity Test (WCT) for any position utilized for red card qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Wildland Fire or emergency services course instruction and experience are preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform and oversee safety operations to prevent accidents in wildland fire operations through organized, systematic risk management.
Minimize injuries or fatalities experienced by wildland firefighters while still achieving fire operations objectives.
Research, develop, and administer the DNRC Fire Training Program using various methods (e.g., IQS, data capture, readiness reviews, NWCG standards) to ensure efficient and effective program operations that comply with all applicable standards and meet DNRC’s fire and aviation management objectives.
Directing and reviewing the work of temporary staff and contractors, including selection, training/instructing, and monitoring performance.